A Rather Teary Father's Day

Even though it was cold and foggy all day, we had a lovely Father's Day celebration, though there were some tears in the morning. It began with us staying in our jammies until 10:00 while watching "Saving Mr. Banks." What a surprise pick for a Father's Day. We both were sniffling at the end. Then, I opened the computer and my heart broke.

At Randy's 57th surprise birthday party two weeks ago, his dad was there, looking great and happy. On Facebook yesterday, Randy posted: This is a picture of a canvas print my very good friends made for my birthday this year. It's of my dad and I when we went on a drive to Monterey a few years ago with my car club.

Since retiring I have got to spend a lot of good quality time with my dad, trips to the coast, rides in the Chevy and a lot of doctors visits. While these have been nice and we have shared stories (that neither of us had remembered the same) about each other they are not as important as the times I spent looking up to this great man growing up as a child. The most important things he taught me were not always said, but were shown in his actions. He was a very caring man who would do anything to help a fellow human being, he was fair with everyone and always had the right advice, not that I always followed it 

Fathers Day has always been a very special day in my life for I get to show and tell dad just how very special he is. Unfortunately this year is a bit different as I won't be able to tell him in person. Dad passed from this earth this morning after a week of hospitalization for a weak heart. While some feel it is bad that he died on Fathers Day I see it as him making this a day our family will remember forever. I will miss this great man daily and am forever grateful to have had him as my father. Go to Mom you are once again united, you will never be apart again. I love you Dad!

So, more tears flowed. His dad had been so kind to us through the years and just a good man. He was 85-years old and born the same year as my mom. Gloomy weather and tears!

But, it got better. We decided to get dressed for a nice lunch, headed down to the Ritz but ate at the pro shop, which has really great food and never crowded. A hidden gem. Just as we walked through the door afterwards, the phone rang. It was William. He and Michael talked forever. He is leaving for Croatia on Wednesday for the beginning of their European tour. Who goes to Croatia to play in a club? He was rather excited to explore someplace he has never been. He also had decided to set aside the big group he had been with for 10 years and stick with this group he met at Coachella. They are on the fast track upwards. He enjoys that ride. He and I talked about his new personal trainer and his goals. It will be interesting to see him as he says he already sees changes to the shape of his body. 

We then watched the imploding of the Giants, enjoyed a bit of pate then Michael lit the coals for the rib eye steak. I also asked him to cook a full cut-up chicken for tonight's dinner (and some lunches and other dinners). The rib eye was served with fresh carrots and his favorite ice cream, which he said was the perfect Father's Day dinner. It really was a nice, but sad day.